UK rewiring drives supply chain jobs as Hitachi Energy opens Glasgow office
SP Energy Networks has welcomed the opening of Hitachi Energy’s new UK Engineering Centre of Excellence in Glasgow, as its biggest ever grid rewiring delivers billions in supply chain contracts and thousands of new jobs.
The new office is thanks to contracts from SP Energy Networks and others as work gets underway to modernise the electricity grid and accelerate the UK’s clean energy transition.
The new centre will create around 100 highly skilled roles as it supports delivery of major transmission and distribution projects across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Nicola Connelly, CEO of SP Energy Networks, said: “These premises, underpinned by Hitachi’s delivery on projects such as the extension of our Eccles substation in Coldstream, Redshaw reinforcement project in South Lanarkshire, and new Kincardine North substation in Fife, reflect the real economic momentum being developed through our modernisation of the UK’s electricity transmission network. Our investment in the electricity grid will bring increased resilience and security and deliver lasting benefits for the future – particularly for the UK supply chain.
“We’re focused on opening up opportunities for suppliers right across the country — strengthening the grid, unlocking growth, and supporting high-quality, highly skilled jobs.”
SP Energy Networks and Hitachi are deploying grid technologies that strengthen grid resilience whilst unlocking jobs and Scotland’s renewable energy.
The partnership is also working to future-proof infrastructure – including moving away from SF6 gas, one of the most potent greenhouse gases used in the sector.
The Glasgow centre strengthens Scotland’s position as a hub for engineering excellence, supporting collaboration with universities, industry partners and organisations working to attract more people into energy and STEM careers.
John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland, said: “I am delighted that Hitachi has chosen Glasgow as the home of their new UK Centre of Excellence. This is a clear demonstration that Scotland’s industrial heritage and engineering excellence continue to play a vital role in shaping the clean industries of tomorrow.
The new Centre of Excellence will create 100 specialised jobs in the city, help develop electricity networks which will be vital to meeting our energy ambitions and act as a catalyst to further investment, jobs and opportunities across Scotland.
An investment of this nature sends a clear signal to investors that Scotland is open for business and is a strong vote of confidence in our skilled and experienced workforce.”
Laura Fleming, Managing Director, Hitachi Energy UK and Ireland, said: “The electricity grid will be the backbone of a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system for decades to come. That makes investment in skills every bit as important as investment in technology. Our new Glasgow Engineering Centre of Excellence is about building the capability the UK needs to deliver major grid upgrades at pace.
Scotland is already central to the UK’s clean energy future, and this expansion will help ensure that more of the value created by that transition is captured here - through high-quality jobs, new career pathways and stronger local supply chains.”
